The Complete Mykonos Travel Guide: Insider Tips from a European Tour Leader

After leading countless groups to Mykonos over the years, I’ve learnt that Mykonos must be one of the most misunderstood travel destinations. When leading Contiki tours to the island and staying on Paradise Beach, I saw the party side of things with wild afternoon beach parties and late-night visits to Cavo Paradiso.

Whilst leading tours with Expat Explore and staying on a quieter side of the island, I’ve learnt to appreciate Mykonos Town, the scenic coastlines and the wonders of Delos.

The biggest misconception about Mykonos is that it’s too expensive. Don’t get me wrong, it can be expensive as Mykonos caters to the luxury market. However, this doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune visiting the island, as there are plenty of budget-friendly options in terms of hotels, restaurants and activities.

In this Mykonos travel guide, we will explore everything that this island has to offer, from the charming Mykonos Town, the Sacred Island of Delos, and the parties of its famous beaches. I’ll also give advice on how to have the best Mykonos experience without breaking the bank. For a detailed look into Greece itself, check out my comprehensive Greece travel guide.

History

Mykonos wasn’t always the glamorous destination it is today. This small Cycladic island, measuring just 85 square kilometres, has a rich history that stretches back over 4,000 years. According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules when he disposed of them in the Aegean Sea.

The name also comes from mythology, as ‘Mykonos’ was a son of the god Apollo and was the first king of the island. This story ties the island to its neighbour Delos which, was the mythological birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis and became one of the most important religious and commercial centers in the ancient Greek world. It is said that Delos was so sacred that inhabitants were forbidden from giving birth or even dying on the island, hence the importance of Mykonos playing a supporting role.

During the Byzantine period, Mykonos remained a quiet fishing and farming community. The iconic windmills that dot the landscape today were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to harness the island’s powerful winds for grain milling. These same winds that powered commerce centuries ago now power the island’s reputation as a windsurfing paradise.

The transformation into a tourist destination began in the 1960s when artists, writers, and bohemians discovered Mykonos as an affordable, tolerant haven. Jackie Kennedy’s visit in 1961 put the island on the international map, followed by a stream of celebrities who appreciated both the stunning scenery and the relaxed attitude toward alternative lifestyles.

By the 1980s, Mykonos had evolved into a sophisticated party destination, attracting wealthy Europeans and Americans. The island’s acceptance of LGBTQ+ travelers made it an early pioneer in inclusive tourism, a reputation it maintains today. What started as a quiet fishing village has become one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after tourist destinations.

Things to See and Do Today

In short, there are 3 main things to do in Mykonos, and that is to explore Mykonos Town, enjoy the beaches and visit Delos. Whilst there is certainly more to this island these are going to be your main reasons for visiting the island, so let’s look more closely at these as well as some less talked about aspects of Mykonos.

Mykonos Town (Chora) Exploration

On the islands, the main town of the island often takes it’s name from the island, hence Mykonos Town. You’ll also see it being referred to as Chora, which simply means ‘town’ in Greek. Of the towns you find on the various Cycladic islands, Mykonos Town would have to be one of the most beautiful. The popularity of the island has brought great wealth, which has allowed the locals to turn the town into a paradise.

At the start of the season, you’ll see the shopkeepers applying fresh whitewash so that everything is looking fresh for the season ahead. Wandering through its maze-like streets really does leave you in awe with the white buildings adorned with colourful doors and windows, and bougainvillaea trees blooming with beautiful flowers. Apart from the shops, bars and restaurants, there are a few iconic sights that you should look for when exploring the town:

• The Iconic Windmills – No visit to Mykonos is complete without seeing the famous windmills overlooking Little Venice. These 16th-century structures were used to grind wheat into flour. They are no longer operating windmills, however, have been preserved with some of them even being converted into Air BnB’s. Best time for photos will be in the morning before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
• Little Venice – From here, walk down to Little Venice, where colourful houses hang over the water’s edge. While this area gets incredibly crowded at sunset, it’s magical in the afternoon hours when you can relax and take in the views over a cocktail or 3.
• Paraportiani Church – The Cycladic islands are famous for blue-domed churches. Whilst you’ll also find red-domed churches, the Paraportiani Church is quite special as it has a white dome. Not only this, but it is actually five churches in one. 4 little chapels on the bottom and then one on top. It makes for an incredible photo opportunity amongst the ruins of Kastro (Castle).
• Petros – Petros is the island’s mascot, a pink pelican. He was rescued by some fishermen who found him injured out at sea and unable to fly. He was nursed back to health, but unable to return to the wild, so made Mykonos Town his new home. You’ll often find him wandering the streets of Little Venice and will pop into restaurants for a feed of fish from the chef. He can be elusive but has a habit of popping up when you least expect him.

Beaches

One thing you’ll notice on Mykonos is the wind, due to its position in the Aegean Sea, where two wind streams meet and drive the wind south. This creates a strong northerly wind, meaning the beaches on the southern side of the island are the most popular as they are most protected from the winds.

When choosing a beach to soak up the Mykonian sun there’s 2 things you should keep in mind. Firstly, sunbeds reign supreme in Mykonos. Whilst there has been a crack down of late, some beaches are essentially private and the sunbeds take over most of the beach particularly in the high season. Fees for sunbeds also vary wildly with some fetching €100 for a days rental. The other issue is beach clubs, great if you want some beats to listen to but if you’re after something quiet then best to avoid.

• Paradise Beach – Paradise Beach is probably the most iconic of Mykonos’ Beaches. My friend who works at the Paradise Beach Club told me that it’s more like what Mykonos used to be. Less pretentious, so much cheaper, yet a lot of fun with its afternoon beach parties. You’ll still also find naked sunbathers here, and of course, no, they’re not the type of people you want to see naked. The beach is dominated by 2 beach resorts, Paradise Beach Resort and Tropicana. Both have restaurants and provide sunbeds to rent (last I was there it was €30 for the day) with wait staff walking around taking orders and bringing you food and drinks. The water is calm as there’s a shallow reef about 10 metres out from the shoreline and the sand whilst not super fine is comfortable enough to walk on.
• Super Paradise – If Paradise Beach isn’t glamorous enough for you, then there’s Super Paradise Beach. This is a more upmarket version of Paradise Beach with beach clubs that have a more luxury feel, so subsequently will be more expensive in terms of drinks and sunbeds. Though I do find this has more free open beach space. This is also a go-to for the LGBTQ+ community, in particular for Jackie O’s which overlooks the beach from the cliffs on the western side of the beach. There’s also some good water-sport options available here. Apart from the price the other negative’s would be that there’s less frequent buses and a lack of a mini market for supplies.
• Ornos – Offers family-friendly vibes with excellent tavernas, but the sunbeds take up a large chunk of the beach, leaving little bare sand to enjoy. Otherwise, it’s reasonably priced and has no loud beach clubs.
• Kalafatis Beach – If you’re up for some watersports or just want a much quieter beach then Kalafatis is a good choice. It’s a much bigger bay than many of the other beaches and not much in the way of accomodations so far less people and big stretches of sand without private sunbeds. Due to the large bay it’s also good for windsurfing if you feel like being active as well as tubing, water skiing and jet skis check out Kalafatis Watersports for more. Less buses frequenting this beach and the buses that do come here come from the Old Port bus station not Fabrika.
• Agios Stefanos – This beach is super underrated. It’s a big sandy beach and as it’s not so well known there’s not that many people there and subsequently not much in the way of sunbeds so heaps of free space but there are sunbeds on the outer edges if you want them. Also, you’ll find the most underrated restaurant on the island NoSoTros, across the road from the beach and a mini market for supplies like waters, coffee and beers, which you can freely consume on the beach.

Day Trip to Delos

If you’re travelling to Greece with an interest in the historical aspect of the country, then a visit to Delos is a must when visiting Mykonos. For some people, this is WHY they come to Mykonos. In Greek Mythology, the island was created by Poseidon so that the pregnant Leto could make landfall and give birth to Zeus’s illegitimate offspring in Apollo and Artemis. Subsequently the island would become one of the most most sacred sites in all the ancient Greek and Roman world. There was a bustling market place, temples and multi-story mansions decorated with beautiful mosaics which are still in-situ amongst the ruins.

Today, the island is one big archaeological site, so there are no accommodations, restaurants, or shops to be found. You will find, however, the beautiful mosaics, a water cistern still full of water, ruined mansions you can walk through, temples, a hill offering amazing views looking back over to Mykonos, the iconic valley of the Lions and a newly refurbished museum. To explore all this, you have a few options:

• Guided tour – If you’d like to know what it is you’re looking at whilst on the island, then I highly recommend taking the guided tour option. Otherwise, you’re basically just looking at a pile of rocks. Guided tours really do help bring archaeological sites to life. Plus, taking the guided tour option covers all the costs, including the return ferry, skip-the-line entrance to the site and the guide. Cost €79. The only downside is that some people find they don’t get much free time with this option.
• Un-guided – If you’re not super into history and you’re happy to just wander around and explore on your own, then there is the possibility of just paying for the return ferry (€25) and then paying for the entrance (€20) to the site upon arrival. Total cost €45.
• Both of these options can be booked in advance online from the official website delostours.gr or in person from the ticket booth in the old port (if doing so, then best to book at least a day ahead). There are also third party operators offering excursions to the island with hotel pick-up or combining Delos with a boat cruise, check out getyourguide.com for more.

Rhenia Island

Now we’ve covered the main attractions, there are a few added sites to mention. Of these is the other neighbouring island of Mykonos, the island of Rhenia. Like Delos, this is a virtually uninhabited island; however, its draw is not archaeology, but its pristine turquoise waters. If you’re into sunshine and swimming, then I’d highly recommend adding a boat cruise to Rhenia Island to your Mykonos experience. There are operators who combine Delos and Rhenia so you can tick both off under one excursion although this option won’t provide the guided tour experience on Delos. If you want to do Delos separately then Rhenia with sunset cruise is also a nice way to go. Book your boat cruise to Rhenia here.

Ano Mera Village

You may hear about Mykonos’s second town, Ano Mera. I’ve read some other travel blogs saying how lovely and charming it is, and an absolute must go. But honestly, it’s very small, with just a tiny central square surrounded by a few tavernas and a monastery that you can visit (and if you’re going to Mykonos I doubt visiting a Monastery is high on your priority list). I have visited a few times during the day on some tours and it was really void of life. If you’re in Mykonos for an extended period then this would perhaps be a good afternoon/evening option to see a different side of the island and have dinner there in a more traditional taverna. Otherwise, don’t bother.

Watch the Sunset

One of the most popular things to do when exploring the Greek Islands is to enjoy the sunset. There’s just something about watching the sun disappear beneath the Aegean Sea that takes your breath away. The most popular spot for enjoying this moment is from Little Venice, with a particularly large crowd building most evenings on the shoreline beneath the windmills. Enjoying it with a cocktail in hand from a seaside bar in Little Venice is also a nice touch.

Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay in Mykonos depends on your priorities for visiting the island. If you are mainly interested in exploring beautiful Mykonos Town and making your way over to Delos, then staying somewhere close to town would be the wisest choice. If you’re more interested in beach time, then Mykonos Town might not be the best option, as it doesn’t have access to the best beaches. So you’ll want to find somewhere that has good beach access but also transport into town and exploring other parts of the island. Prices can vary wildly in Mykonos due to the Luxury Accommodation market. The recommendations below are intended for the average traveller seeking a good standard for a fair price:

• Mykonos Town (Chora) – Poseidon Hotel Suites – If staying in Mykonos Town I would recommend this location at the back or top of town, as it will be closer to the Fabrika bus terminal meaning easy access to exploring the rest of the island, and there is a beach (Paralia Megali Ammos) nearby. Not the best beach, but nice for morning walks and this hotel has a very nice pool area. You also probably don’t want to be in the middle of town as it can get loud and busy so just outside of town is best. Hotel Adonis is also a good option but lacks a pool.
• New Port/Toulous – Makis Place – A great option if you prefer the idea of being close to the port for easy arrival and departure by ferry (you can easily walk from the port), with good access to Mykonos Town. I stayed here once on tour with Expat Explore, and found it ticked a lot of boxes with a good standard of rooms, a great pool, a great Taverna in Mathios Tavern next door and to get to town you can simply walk across the road and catch the SeaBus (public boat), which departs every 30 minutes.
• Agios Stefanos Beach (St Stevens) – Alkistis Beach Resort – This is where we’ve been staying on the tours with Expat Explore over the last few years, and as I mentioned in the beaches section, Agios Stefanos is a very underrated location. Big sandy beach across the road, a nice pool with sea views, one of the best restaurants on the island next door, a mini market nearby, a great breakfast and dining room with sea views and a regular bus service to Mykonos Town. As it’s not one of the populare locations the prices are more reasonable. Best for couples looking for a quiet location near a beach and good access to town without breaking the bank.
• Paradise Beach – Paradise Beach Resort – This is where we stayed when I worked for Contiki and is best for those wanting to indulge in the famous parties of Mykonos. You’ve not only got ready access to the beautiful beach to lounge on during the day, you’ll also be right by the action when the afternoon beach parties kick off. The bay is also home to the island’s biggest club in Cavo Paradiso that attracts all the big-name DJ’s. The resort offers a variety of accommodations depending on your budget from camping and small cabins to luxury villas with sea views.
• Platis Gialos – Hotel Anna – If you want to be on the Southern Coastline but away from the party scene, yet with easy access to town and the other beaches, then this is probably your best bet. The bus to Fabrika is every 30 minutes up until 3:00 am in the high season, so you can have a night out in town and not worry about finding a taxi. Accommodations range from luxury resorts to modest guesthouses, giving you options across different budgets.
• Ornos – Dionysos Luxury Hotel Mykonos – Like Platis Gialos this would be best for families and couples seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Ornos has a beautiful sandy beach, excellent restaurants, and regular bus connections to town every 30 minutes until late. The area strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and tranquility. Hotels here typically offer better value than those in Mykonos Town while still providing easy access to the action.
• Psarou – Iria Blue Mykonos – This is the place to be if your budget allows for something more upmarket. If you want to be near the island’s most exclusive beach clubs, this is your spot. Home to the famous Nammos beach club, Psarou attracts a wealthy international crowd. Accommodations are premium-priced but offer immediate access to some of the best beaches and restaurants on the island.

Where to Eat

Dining in Mykonos is probably where people come undone the most. You may have seen some cheap news articles about naive tourists walking out of a restaurant in Mykonos with a bill of €500. As we’ve covered, Mykonos does cater to the Luxury market. If you don’t want to pay luxury prices, then just don’t go to a bougie restaurant. So here’s my recommendations for dining experiences that won’t break the bank!

• Mykonos Town (Old Port) – Baboulas Ouzeri – I often walked past this restaurant with my groups and never thought anything of it until I had some passengers eat here then rave about it to me. I checked its Google rating and saw that many others agree, as it maintains a 4.8 average with over 1500 reviews. The location is fabulous as it sits right against the water line in the old port subsequently offering views over to Mykonos Town. I like their slogan too, ‘The least gourmet restaurant on the island,’ which gives me the vibe that they rely on quality over pretentiousness. You’ll find the menu to be fair on price given it’s not in the heart of Mykonos town, but do note it is mostly a seafood restaurant with fresh fish and a good selection of seafood pastas.
• Mykonos Town (Little Venice) – Kastro’s/Katerina’s – With views of the Windmills and the Aegean, Little Venice is a popular place to enjoy a romantic dinner. You may have seen photos of a little restaurant tucked down an alley right up to the water. It’s become a bit of an iconic photo of the greek Islands and the restaurant is called Kastro’s. The restaurant does rate reasonably well with a 4.6 on Google with almost 1500 reviews. However, It’s reputation does come with a higher price tag but given the reviews it seems most people are happy with the quality of food. For a bit more of an affordable option, try Katerina’s which is very near to Kastro’s and also offers views of the water. I recommend making reservations at either of these restaurants and asking for the balcony.
• Mykonos Town – To Maereio – For a more affordable option, and somewhere serving authentic Greek dishes located in the heart of Mykonos Town. No paying for a sea view, just a focus on quality Greek cuisine. A 4.8 rating with over 1000 reviews.
• Agios Stefanos – Nosotros – I mentioned this place a few times already, as it’s next to the hotel I stay in with my groups. Even if you’re not staying in Agios Stefanos, I’d still recommend a visit to this restaurant. It has a 4.9 rating on google with almost 700 reviews, very rarely do you find restaurants with a 4.9. The food quality is amazing but as it’s not in town or some super popular location, the prices are very reasonable. They have a great brunch menu if you’re looking for somewhere to refuel after a night out, and you can pop across the road and take a dip afterwards. But the lunch and dinner menu is the highlight, I recommend either the Lamb Brazie or Linguini with Seafood.
• Paradise Beach – Aris Pizza – Located within Paradise Beach Resort you’ll find this little pizzeria with wood fired oven run by Ari. Ari comes from Albania but trained as a Pizza Chef in Italy before setting up shop on Paradise Beach some 20 years ago. He’s the hardest working man i’ve ever met, working every day from the start of the season in May to the end of the season in October for 12 hours a day. I don’t think there’s a person alive elsewhere on the planet that has made more Pizzas than Ari so you can rest assured he knows what he’s doing. Even if Paradise Beach isn’t on my groups itinerary, I still find the time to make my way there just to say hi to Ari and have a Pizza for lunch.
• Dining Good to Knows:
  • Make dinner reservations well in advance during the summer months.
  • When perusing menus, you might notice asterisks (*) next to some seafood items; this usually means they’re frozen, not fresh.
  • Some restaurants might automatically bring you water and/or bread and then charge you for it at the end under a cover charge. This is quite normal, as generally people want water and bread.
  • You might be surprised at a lack of Olive Oil on tables. I believe the restaurants got sick of tourists pouring excessive amounts of good olive on their plates so they stopped providing it. If you’d like some extra Olive Oil then simply ask your waiter.
  • Tipping has become part of the culture thanks to the American influence on the island, although thankfully, it is not as demanding as in the US. 5-10% is about right.

Where to Drink

Mykonos is definitely a party paradise. You’ll see souvenir shirts being sold in the shops that say ‘Mykonos f**ks Ibiza.’ So if you’re ready to let off some steam after dark, there’s no shortage of bars and clubs.

• Mykonos Town – Skandinavian Bar – This is where everyone will converge in town. You have the open courtyard area accessible to 2 bars downstairs, then the nightclub upstairs. It doesn’t open until 8:00 pm and it probably won’t get busy until after 10:00 pm. Stays open till 5:30 am.
• Mykonos Town – Negrita Bar/Rhapsody Bar – Given Skandinavia Bar won’t open till late, you’ll want somewhere to head beforehand. A popular spot to be in is Little Venice and a venue called Negrita Bar which people head to for the sunset then enjoy dancing inside when it turns into a nightclub. Though this has become quite expensive due to its popularity (minimum €80pp spend if you want to watch the sunset). A slightly cheaper option in Little Venice is Rhapsody Bar with great cocktails and a nice little balcony for sunset vibes and a good sound system for the after party.
• Paradise Beach – Paradise Beach Resort – If you prefer to get your partying done in the afternoon, then head to Paradise Beach Resort. The party starts at 4:30 pm daily, with party hosts there to help get the crowd up and dancing. There is an all-day happy hour with 2-for-1 cocktails, which are free pour (not measured portions), so you definitely get your moneys worth.
• Paradise Beach – Cavo Paradiso – If you want to go to a real club then keep an eye on the set list for Cavo Paradiso to see what DJ’s are in town during your stay. This is a massive club that was named one of the best 50 clubs in the world. It doesn’t open until 11:00 pm and closes at 7:00 am, so it’s definitely only for those who are up for a late night. I’d recommend getting your tickets in advance particularly if there’s a well-known DJ playing.

Transport

• Public Bus – The public bus system in Mykonos is a cheap way to get around the island with most one way journeys being only €2pp. The main bus station is at Fabrika at the top of Mykonos Town with a smaller bus station down in the Old Port. Check out the official website for the bus schedule during your stay here. Note that the buses will be more frequent and run later during the high season. Tickets are either purchased from the booth before you get on at Fabrika/Old Town or from the driver directly if heading to town.
• Taxis – Taxis can also be a convenient mode of transport on the island; however, the issue is that there is only a limited number of them. This means they can be expensive and also difficult to find during the busy periods. Best to reserve ahead if you need to be somewhere, speak with your hotel reception. You’ll find the taxi rank here.
• Vehicle Rental – Renting a car or ATV provides maximum flexibility for exploring hidden beaches and villages, but parking in Mykonos Town is nearly impossible during summer. I don’t advise renting mopeds or quad-bikes in Mykonos, the roads are narrow with sharp bends and other vehicles/buses come out of nowhere. Every year tourists are killed or seriously injured in accidents, best to get a car or an ATV with a cage for added protection. If you ignore my advice then at least make sure your travel insurance covers you driving such vehicles.

Getting There

Ferry Connections – If arriving by ferry you’ll arrive into the New Port then have to make your way to your accommodation from there. Check if your accomodation provides transfers. High-speed ferries from Piraeus (Athens’ port) take approximately 3 hours and offer the most comfortable sea journey. Slower conventional ferries take 5-6 hours but cost significantly less and can be quite pleasant if you’re not in a hurry. During summer, ferries also connect Mykonos with other Cycladic islands like Santorini, Paros, and Naxos. Book vehicle spaces well in advance if you plan to bring a car.

Flying to Mykonos – Mykonos Airport (JMK) receives direct flights from major European cities during summer months, with Athens serving as the primary connection point year-round. The airport is small and can become overwhelmed during peak season, so arrive early and be patient. Book airport transfers in advance, as taxis can be scarce and expensive. The public bus to Mykonos Town runs regularly but infrequently, especially outside summer months.

Planning considerations

When to go – Generally, you will hear that the best time to visit Greece is in the shoulder season, which is May and September. This avoids peak summer crowds in July and August as holidaying Europeans flock to the islands for their summer vacation. The only issue with this advice is that the water is still cold in May, as the sea hasn’t really warmed up after the winter yet. So I’d suggest September over May if possible.

Tours

If I’ve convinced you to travel to Mykonos but all this information is a bit overwhelming, then why not join a tour and let someone else do all the planning and booking for you? If you’re after an affordable option, then come along with Expat Explore. Book direct and use my promo code ‘TOURLEADERSJOURNAL‘ for an additional 5% off an already great-value tour. Check out our 2 tour options below:

• Best of Greece – If you want to experience more than just the Greek Islands and have the time available then I highly recommend the 12 day ‘Best of Greece’ tour. This starts by exploring the mainland including Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia and more, before continuing to Mykonos (2 nights) & Santorini (3 nights)!
• Athens, Mykonos & Santorini – If you’ve only got a week available and feel like some Greek Sunshine then this is the tour for you. Start by exploring the wonders of Athens, then take the ferry to Mykonos (2 nights) and then ferry to Santorini (3 nights) before flying back to Athens.

Conclusion

Over recent years, there’s been a big call for tourists to skip Mykonos and head to Paros and some of the lesser-known Greek Islands instead. This has affected the island dramatically, with the last few years there being fewer tourists as people seek out the alternative destinations. The result has been a drop in prices in Mykonos, it’s certainly still more expensive than elsewhere but Mykonian businesses have had to realise they can’t just charge whatever they want. This is a win for us mid-range travellers. Whilst you should see as much of Greece as possible, Mykonos should still be at the top of your list, particularly if you’re just starting out exploring the Greek Islands.